When I discovered Coursera, back in 2019, I wasn’t sure how to navigate the platform to find the perfect course. It was a little daunting, especially because it offers so many different types of courses and learning programs, I felt a little overwhelmed. I took a step back and spent sometime exploring the platform and everything it had to offer. I figured out a good system for choosing the perfect course by summarizing them into my top tips.
That’s why I’ve put together my top 7 tips for choosing the perfect Coursera course, these tips have been crucial in helping me choose the perfect Coursera course. So, when you’re ready to pick your next Coursera course, keep these tips in mind. I hope you find them as useful as I did, and that this guide helps you make the best choice.
Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor
1. Filter Savvy
I will kick things off with the filter feature, it’s one of my favorite functions on Coursera —it’s like my personal course concierge! Whenever I’m hunting for something specific, like when I got curious about Nutrition, I just dive into the filters. I can tailor my search by Skills, Job Title, Level, Language, and more. After a quick click on ‘apply’, all the relevant courses just line up for me. It’s incredibly satisfying to see all these options neatly organized, making my decision process so much easier and way more fun.
2. Course Preview
Next up, is ‘About this Course’ section on Coursera is like getting a snapshot before you decide to dive in! It lays out everything—the course description, all the juicy topics covered, and the specific areas the course will focus on. Whenever I’m targeting specific knowledge, this section is my go-to for a quick preview. It’s an absolute lifesaver for making sure a course aligns perfectly with my learning goals. So, if you’re looking to match a course to your needs, this feature is your best friend on Coursera!
3. Syllabus Deep Dive
Moving onto the syllabus section. It’s like having a detailed roadmap before you even start your journey. Each course syllabus breaks down what you’ll be diving into week by week. You can see exactly how your time will be structured—from the insightful videos you’ll watch, to the reading materials you’ll explore, and the quizzes you’ll tackle. It’s super helpful to gauge how much time you’ll need to commit each week.
4. Peer Perspectives
Diving into Coursera reviews is like tapping into firsthand insights! Each course features ratings and feedback from past students, offering a real-world glimpse into what to expect. What I love most is the nifty filter and sort options—whether you’re looking for overall impressions or specific star ratings, you can quickly zero in on the reviews that matter most to you. This feature isn’t just helpful; it’s a game-changer, providing a deeper understanding and boosting confidence in your course selection. It’s like getting advice from friends who’ve already navigated the course, guiding your decision to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
5. Meet Your Instructor
Meeting your Coursera instructor is like getting a sneak peek into your learning journey! Each course description includes an instructor rating, and with just a click, you can explore their bio, experience, websites, social media, and other courses they teach. This quick peek helps you connect with your instructor and gauge their expertise, making the entire learning experience more personal and engaging.
6. Free Trial Access
Next on the agenda is access to a free trial. When you sign up for a paid course or Coursera Plus, you’ll unlock a 7 or 14 day free trial. It’s the perfect opportunity to test-drive a course and see if it clicks with you before you make any financial commitment. Feel like the course or the instructor isn’t quite what you were looking for? No problem—you can easily opt for a refund. This trial period is like a risk-free exploration of your potential new learning path, ensuring you start off on the right foot with complete confidence in your choice.
7. Explore for Free
Last on our list is learning for free with Coursera. If you’re interested in taking a course without the cost, simply select the ‘Audit the course’ option. This allows you to access the course for free, though you won’t receive a certificate upon completion. Keep in mind that the audit option is not available for Specialization, Mastertrack, Professional Certificates or Degree Programs. To find this option, you’ll need to visit the individual course page directly. This approach is perfect for learners who want the knowledge without the formal credential.
